It is the most common and widespread for of rainfall in the world. It is also known as mountain rain or relief rainfall. The moisture laden winds are forced to ascend over the mountains in their path. As the wind rise, it expands and looses temperature adiabatically. As a result, condensation takes place leading to rainfall. The amount of rainfall is heavy and concentrated in the windward side of the mountain.
However highest amount of rainfall is received at the crest of the mountain. In the leeward side of the mountain, the winds begin to descend along the slopes with compression. As the wind move along the slopes the temperature steadily increases. Hence the leeward side remains dry.
